Having recently shifted its operations from Goa International Airport at Dabolim to Manohar International Airport at Mopa, Qatar Airways flight was reportedly diverted to Dabolim airport in the wee hours of Tuesday due to bad weather. In the past too there were instances of flights scheduled to land at Mopa airport being diverted to Dabolim airport due to bad weather. It seems that even the weather Gods are in favour of the Dabolim airport continuing its operations.
Quite a few prominent airlines, both domestic and international, have shifted their flights to Mopa airport from Dabolim airport. Since the commissioning of Mopa airport in December 2022, the passenger traffic at the Dabolim airport has declined. The government and airports authorities claim that both airports will co-exist in the State. Yet, the fear is that all flights from Dabolim airport may shift to MIA at Mopa and that the GIA at Dabolim may ultimately shut down.
It is learned that the unplanned landing of the Qatar Airways flight on Tuesday at Dabolim airport was managed by the airport’s 24X7 yellow-black taxi service ensuring that the passengers reached their destinations without any inconvenience. This shows that the infrastructure at the Dabolim airport is well in place to ensure passenger safety and convenience.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
